A bump on the gum is usually the chief indication that you may be dealing with a periodontal or dental infection. Filled with bacteria, pus, and other contaminants, the abscess forms near the affected tooth. You will require emergency dental care at the onset of the painful symptoms that the pus pocket brings forth, which usually includes incision and drainage. However, sometimes, the damage is too much to save the tooth, and the dentist might suggest dental extraction. This might raise a question: what happens to abscesses after tooth extraction?
In this blog, we will discuss what to expect after a tooth extraction if you have an abscess. Carry on reading to learn the possible complications that may take place!
Is Tooth Extraction Necessary for an Abscess
The first approach your dentist will take is to save your tooth at all costs. If no other dental procedure can preserve your natural tooth, extraction is the last resort. An abscess is a clear indication that damage has extended to the tip of the root, which means non-invasive methods will no longer work. And if you neglect treatment, the abscess can lead to bone loss, infected tissues, or other complications. To answer, while tooth extraction is not necessary to treat an abscess, it might be required if the damage is too severe and other treatments do not work.
What Happens To The Abscess After Tooth Extraction?
The abscess will immediately begin to heal after the tooth extraction procedure. Your body gets to work, fighting off the infection and eliminating the infection over time. The gum bump might take a few days or several weeks to disappear, depending on the size of the abscess and the extent of the damage.
After the tooth is removed, the extraction site needs to heal properly. Or else the empty socket could become infected; you will need to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the oral surgeon to make sure no complications take place. Your dentist will provide you with precise guidelines on how to ensure a quick and safe recovery, including instructions on keeping the site clean and regular gauze changes.
If you have a larger or more severe abscess, the dentist might prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading. This is also true if you have a weakened immune system, which could delay fast healing after extraction. All in all, abscess starts healing after tooth extraction in most cases.
Abscess Formation After Tooth Extraction: Risk of Complications
Generally, abscess heals after tooth extractions. Still, complications are not far behind, and you may find yourself facing the following issues after your tooth removal:
- Dry socket: A stable blood clot is essential to healing after tooth extractions, and if it moves or dislocates, a dry socket can occur. This could lead to intense pain as well as a delay in the recovery.
- Infection: Yes, infection after a tooth extraction is a possibility. While it is rare, reinfection causes pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
- Nerve damage: In some cases, the nerves surrounding the extraction site could undergo damage during the procedure. If it happens, you will feel numbness and tingling in the mouth — either temporarily or permanently.
It is important to go to your dentist if any unusual symptoms take place following tooth removal. Usually, though, following the aftercare instructions to the dot can show promising results!
What’s Next?
An abscess can bring painful symptoms and much discomfort. While non-invasive procedures are effective when it comes to infection, sometimes, the infection has become so severe you need a tooth extraction. Generally, abscess begins to heal after tooth removal, but complications are still possible. Visit your dentist for any unusual symptoms!
At Champions Dental, we care about your oral health and provide guaranteed treatments to fight off any issues you may have. Dial (281) 866-0442 to book an appointment with us now or give us a visit at 13455 Cutten Rd. Suite 2g, Houston, TX, 77069.